Brainspotting (BSP): An alternative to EMDR
Brainspotting (BSP) uses the brain’s natural ability for self-scanning and self-healing. BSP finds points in your visual field to reach subcortical parts of the brain that store trauma, to release the emotional charge around past experiences and beliefs. Brainspotting uses eye positions, body awareness, mindfulness, and the therapist’s relational attunement to help process.
Most talk therapy is done by using our neocortex. BSP allows us to access the subcortex part of the brain that holds emotions, instincts, and intuitions. It’s where the vagus nerve is located, which oversees things like heart rate, mood, immune response, digestion, etc. and provides a connection between the brain and the gut (playing a role in fight, flight, freeze and fawn response).
Brainspotting can help with
Anxiety and Fears
Recent Traumatic Experience
Relational Trauma
Childhood Trauma
Stress and Burnout
Self-esteem and Confidence Challenges
Physical Pain
Performance Blocks
Feeling Stuck and/or Feelings of Shame and Guilt
What does a Brainspotting Session look like?
- Together we can explore an issue that you would like to work on.
- Bi-lateral music with headphones may be used to help integrate both sides of the brain but can be a personal choice.
- Once we have focused on what you want to work on, I usually ask how activated or strongly this feels and where you are noticing this in your body.
- We then use a pointer (not pointed at you) across your visual field to help notice where you can connect with those sensations and/or feelings. I will also observe reflexes which can be helpful for people that may feel numb or disconnected. Your own gaze without the pointer can also be used.
- We then hold your eye gaze on that brainspot or you may move your eyes to another brainspot to help your system.You are invited with curiosity to mindfully observe your experience and follow the connections to wherever it may take you.
- At the end of the session, we may talk through your experience, practice grounding or you may find you want to leave quietly.
- Some people after a session find they are able to reframe a situation, feel a memory be more in the distance, have a new perspective on the situation and/or carry less tension in their body.
Frequently Asked Questions
The number of Brainspotting sessions vary. Some people see results after 6-10 sessions while others may find relief in fewer or may find they need more. Factors to be considered is that everyone's brain and body is built differently. Addressing a recent event or a single concern may require fewer sessions. Complex trauma/situations or long-standing issues may need more time and support.
There are some similarities and some differences. Brainspotting was developed through David Grand who was a trained EMDR therapist but in one of his sessions in 2003, he discovered how certain eye positions with relational attunement would help process and integrate his clients experiences.One method is not necessarily better than the other as its all about personal choices. EMDR is a structured model with certain steps. Brainspotting is a flexible approach and is mainly client led with the therapists attunement. Brainspotting also incorporates more of a somatic element as David Grand reported being influenced strongly by Peter Levine's (developer of Somatic Experiencing Therapy model) work and wanting to add this element to Brainspotting.
Nope! One of the reasons I love Brainspotting is that it isn't invasive. You don't have to describe every detail of something that is potentially overwhelming to your body. You actually don't have to describe anything, unless you find it comforting or beneficial.
It can be anything that you find helpful or feel parts of you need. Some people I work with only want to do Brainspotting and then others find that combining BSP with other forms of psychotherapy to be beneficial. If we have done some Brainspotting in previous sessions, I will check-in with you to see if you would like to do Brainspotting today or not. We may even add just a few minutes of Brainspotting in a session verse the whole session as there is not one way.
It is common to feel physically or emotionally drained like after a powerful release or a difficult workout! Other people may feel calm or relaxed because you are deep in the brain. It is very important to rest afterwards and to stay hydrated.
Some people find they are more in-tune with their emotions, others may feel more irritable for a short period of time due to difficult feelings that you had to push down are now coming to the surface. View this as your system making space for things that were held in tightly. People also report having a new awareness or insight and triggers becoming less intense. Physical releases may occur such as slight twitching, wanting to move, less tension in the body, etc. Your system is adjusting which can be a good sign!
Yep! Once the spot has been located you can keep your eyes open, closed, half open or go back and forth. Your brain will remember the spot! Some people prefer to close their eyes as they may find it helps them focus inwards, while others want to close their eyes for a short period of time. Feeling a sense of wanting to open and close your eyes during BSP could also be a way that your brain is trying to integrate states. So I say go with what feels right for you at that moment:)